IADC’s abiding logo dates to 1959, with only minor changes introduced in 1972. IADC is in the throes of a rebrand to better reflect our times and the spirit of collaboration within today’s IADC. The new look will debut in March.

By Mike Killalea, editor & publisher

When the American Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (AAODC) refreshed its brand in 1972, morphing into IADC, it replaced “American” with “International” and erased “Oil.” AAODC/IADC simultaneously embraced the industry’s global nature and recognized natural gas as a legitimate prize, rather than an annoying byproduct. Including the “I” word was more hopeful than precise, signifying internationally based members less than US contractors operating “abroad.” (The rare non-US-based contractor attending the IADC Annual Meeting in those days was heartily applauded for undertaking the harrowing trek to the US – an unofficial “Guy Who Traveled the Farthest Award.”)

A step-change in service

Nearly two decades dragged by before our “I” assumed real meaning. Today, we are in the throes of greater step-changes. Regular readers of DC, our websites and e-letters, and attendees at IADC events have seen clear evidence of this – introduction of the Well Control Institute; creation of the Workforce Attraction and Development Initiative; sweeping rewrites of key IADC books and forms; top-to-bottom revamp of IADC’s Knowledge, Skills and Abilities; and more.

Bringing people together

Today’s IADC is laser focused on improving performance, competence and stewardship. Short phrases, but fraught with energy and promise. All are accomplished through collaboration – bringing together the best and the brightest across all sectors to achieve goals benefiting industry, the public and the world economy.

While the IADC “brand” changed in 1972, the familiar logo survived essentially unscathed. In fact, the abiding round, black-and-red graphic dates to 1959. Only new text and minor tweaks were introduced in ’72. Cars have changed a lot since 1959. (Remember tailfins?) IADC’s logo? Not much.

Over the next several weeks, we will gradually introduce facets of our new brand and emblem. IADC’s new look will be fully revealed at the IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, 4-6 March in Fort Worth.

Our new brand reflects collaboration, not cosmetics. It represents the totality of IADC’s vigor in bringing people together to effect real change. In the end, it’s all about people.

Sometimes, folks, you must repaint the store to showcase your new wares. And IADC’s new branding and logo will accomplish just that.